Valve With a Loading Varying Mechanism, and Method of Operating the Same

ABSTRACT

A valve is provided. The valve includes a body provided with fluid passages for circulating fluid therein. The body has a body interface with ports connected to the fluid passages. The valve also includes a valve element having a valve element interface facing the body interface. The valve element can move between different positions so as to permit or obstruct communication between the fluid passages. A biasing element biases the valve element interface against the body interface. A load varying mechanism is provided to load the biasing element with different sealing load forces according to the different positions of the valve element. The sealing load force applied on the rotor is thus decreased during rotation, reducing friction between the valve body and the valve element.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally concerns systems and methods related tovalves and more particularly relates to a valve with a load varyingmechanism and a method for reducing friction during movement of a valveelement.

BACKGROUND

Liquid chromatography and auto-sampler systems rely mostly on flatrotary based design valves to handle various fluids. Many differentconfigurations are possible, such as the standard six-port injectionvalves, valves with syringe port or for sample stream selection, columnselection, multi-position/multitask, such as loading, injecting,washing, etc. In most cases, valves have a flat rotor and a flat stator.The flat rotor is pushed against a fixed flat stator. The rotor hasvarious grooves machined in it, allowing different stator portconnection schemes to fit any particular application.

To exemplify the description of such a prior art valve system, we willrefer to a typical six-port liquid chromatographic valve. Such valve isshown in FIGS. 1A to 2. This technology has been used for more than halfa century. The sealing, i.e. the leak integrity, between two adjacentports and all outboard leaking integrity from any port, is provided byapplying a load on the rotor, such required load being greater forhigher pressure operations. The load, or pressing force, is normally setby a mechanical biasing element, such as a compression spring or a stackof Belleville discs. Since the force maintaining the rotor on the statoris relatively high, so is friction and resultant wear. Because wearoccurs when the rotor is turned against the stator, the lifetime of sucha valve is short. Scratches eventually appear on the rotor, which isusually made of softer material than the stator.

Friction between the rotor and the stator causes particles to begenerated, further increasing the problems associated with wear. Leaksare likely to appear, and eventually the valve will have to be repairedor replaced. This problem may be found in most flat and conical rotaryvalves available.

Referring to FIG. 3, from U.S. Pat. No. 6,643,946 pertaining toRheodyne, a rotor and a stator of a typical flat rotary valve are shown,both presenting scratches resulting from friction and wear. In order toincrease the lifetime of rotary valves, U.S. Pat. No. 6,453,946discloses a valve in which one of the sealing surfaces is coated withTungstene Carbide/Carbon (WC/C) while the other sealing surface isprovided with a fluorocarbon polymer.

In Ultra High Performance Liquid Chromatography (UHPLC) applications,the process pressure can be as high as 20,000 PSI. By “process pressure”it is meant the pressure of the fluid circulating in the valve, such asthe sample gas, carrier gas or liquid mobile phase. At such a pressurelevel, the required rotor loading force provided by the biasing elementis high, and so is friction and resultant wear. Although coating thesealing surfaces of the stator may improve the lifetime of the rotaryvalve, there is a still a need for an improved valve system that mayallow even longer lifetime, especially for high pressure applications.

Also known are the following references: U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,297,053;3,640,310; 6,193,213; 6,453,946; 7,503,203; and US Patent application20100059701.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,213, the process fluid is used for applying anadditional load force on the rotor. The load force is therefore afunction of the process pressure, which is generally constant. As aresult, the overpressure on the rotor is also constant and equallyapplied whether the rotor is stationary or rotating, whichdisadvantageously does not allow the load force to be varied. A furtherdisadvantage may result from using the process fluid within differentsections of the valve because this increases the risk of contaminatingthe fluid. Additional seals are then required to properly seal thedifferent valve sections.

Another problem arises from the fact that valves are usually tuned atambient temperature, but are mostly used at different temperatures, fromcryogenic temperatures to temperatures of around 350° C. The behavior ofeach part of the valve may therefore differ greatly depending on thetemperature range at which it is operated. Consequently, a valve canwork perfectly when tuned and operated at ambient temperature, butimportant leakage may occur when the valve is used in a system operatedat a different temperature.

In light of the above, there is also a need for an improved valve, or animproved system for varying the load applied on the valve element of avalve. There is also a need for a method of operating a valve that wouldhelp reduce friction between the movable valve element and thestationary body of the valve.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, a valve is provided.The valve includes a body provided with fluid passages for circulatingfluid therein at a fluid pressure. The body has a body interface withports connected to the fluid passages. The valve also includes a valveelement having a valve element interface facing the body interface, thevalve element interacting with the ports of the body interface. Thevalve element is movable between different positions so as to permit orobstruct communication between the fluid passages. The valve includes anactuating mechanism for moving the valve element between the differentpositions. The valve includes a biasing element configured to bias thevalve element interface against the body interface with a sealing loadforce. The valve includes a load varying mechanism configured tovariably load the biasing element based on the different positions ofthe valve element, the biasing element thereby applying differentsealing load forces on the valve element based on the differentpositions.

In one implementation, the valve is a rotary valve, the valve element isa rotor, and the body is a housing, the rotor being mounted in thehousing. The actuating mechanism is a rotary driver for rotating therotor. The biasing element applies a sealing load force on the rotor.The load varying mechanism allows applying different load forces on therotor based on the different positions of the rotor. When the valve isstationary, the biasing element applies the process sealing load forcehaving predetermined value. When the valve is rotating, the sealing loadforce applied in reduced to a rotation load force, smaller than thesealing load force.

In yet another implementation, the rotary valve is a conical rotaryvalve. The valve element has a frustro-conical body. The frustro-conicalbody is provided with at least one channel, which extends within thebody or at its surface, for placing the different ports of the housingin fluid communication.

In yet another implementation, the rotary valve is a ball-valve. Thevalve element is a ball, and the body with the passages is a packingsurrounding the ball. The ball is provided with a through hole whichallows putting the passages in fluid communication, or the block them,according to the ball position.

In yet another implementation, the load varying assembly includes acontroller, and a motor for varying the height, and therefore thecompression of the biasing element. Preferably, the valve comprises oris used in combination with a second, actuating motor to actuate thevalve element. As an example, the valve can be a sample stream selectionvalve, in which the controller is used to further vary the sealing loadforce when crossing over ports, by applying a sealing force having avalue between the process sealing force value and the movement loadforce value. Preferably, the motors are electrical motors.

In one implementation, the load varying mechanism includes a positiondetector to determine the position of the valve element. The loadvarying mechanism can also include a loading force detector, todetermine the pressure or sealing load force applied by the biasingelement.

In one implementation, the load varying assembly includes a fixed memberand a movable member, the movable member being operatively linked to theactuating mechanism and/or rotor and to the biasing element. When theactuating mechanism moves the valve element between different positions,the movable member of the load varying mechanism also moves, therebycompressing or decompressing the biasing element. Decompressing thebiasing element reduces the sealing load force applied on the valveelement when it moves, thereby reducing friction in the valve.

In one implementation, the fixed and movable members are cam washershaving alternating convex and concave portions. The cam washers arepositionable in sealing and rotation configurations. When placed in thesealing configuration, the convex portions of the cam washers arealigned, increasing a height the cam washer assembly, which compressesthe spring biasing elements to apply a sealing load force on the valveelement. When placed in the rotation configuration, the convex andconcave portions are gradually interlocking, reducing the height of thecam washer assembly, which decompresses the biasing element, applying aload force smaller than the sealing load force.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method for channeling afluid through different passages of a valve is provided. The methodcomprises a step of loading the biasing element of the valve withdifferent sealing load forces as the valve element moves to differentpositions.

In one implementation, the method comprises the steps of: a) applying asealing load force on the valve element when the valve element isstationary and the valve is in operation, and b) applying a reducedsealing load force on the valve element when the valve element is moved.

In one implementation, the method comprises a step performed prior tostep b), of applying a start-up load force on the valve element, thestart-up load force being smaller than the reduced sealing load forceapplied when the valve element is moving between to positions. In oneimplementation, the start-up load force is 0.

In one implementation, the method comprises a step performed after stepb), of applying an intermediate sealing load force on the valve element,the intermediate load force being smaller than the process sealing loadforce, but greater than the rotation load force. For example, thismethod can be applied in a sample stream selection valve when crossingover a port.

An advantage of the present method and valve is that friction betweenthe sealing surfaces of the valve element and stationary body of thevalve is reduced during movement of the valve element, and preferablyjust before the movement start-up. Reducing the friction between thesealing surfaces when the valve element is moved reduces wear andparticle generation in the valve, which in turn reduces leaks and/orcontamination. Another advantage of the method is that the load forceapplied on the valve element is not dependent upon the operatingpressure of the valve, as in U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,213.

Advantageously, the load varying mechanism also allows performing acleaning/washing cycle without having to dismantle or disassemble thevalve. Indeed, when reducing the valve element load to an intermediatecleaning load, a cleaning fluid can be applied to flow through the valvefrom a purge port, so as to clean all surfaces and grooves by moving thevalve element; this intermediate cleaning load being low enough to allowa slight spacing of the valve element from the stationary body. Thismethod is particularly adapted to rotary valve, in which the valveelement, which is a rotor, can be rotated at high speeds.

Another advantage of this method and valve is that, when the valveelement is stationary in an operational position, it is possible toapply a much higher load on the valve element than what is typicallyfound in other commercially available valves, and this, without the riskof damaging the valve element. This results in a much higher sealingintegrity.

The load varying mechanism also helps to maintain the same predeterminedload scheme, even if some of the characteristics of the componentschange over time, such as can occur when the biasing element softens orthe parts of the valve thermally expand in the case of high temperatureapplications.

Methods according to implementations of the invention can be used forflat, conical and ball-type rotary valves, among other possible valves.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will be betterunderstood upon reading of preferred implementations thereof, withreference to the appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a side perspective view of a six-port liquid chromatographicvalve known in the prior art, shown partially. FIG. 1B is a top view ofa rotor forming part of the prior art valve shown in FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of a liquid chromatographic valve knownin the prior art.

FIG. 3 is a top view of sealing surfaces of a rotor and a stator ofprior art rotary valves, the sealing surfaces showing signs of wear.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-section view of a valve, according to afirst implementation of the invention.

FIG. 5A is a graph of the sealing load force applied on the valveelement of FIG. 4, as a function of time, according to an implementationof the method. FIG. 5B is a graph of the load force applied on the valveelement of FIG. 4, as a function of time, according to anotherimplementation of the method. FIG. 5C is a graph of the load (in Lbf) asa function of the process pressure (in PSI), for two different materialsused for the valve element.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a rotary valve, according to a secondimplementation of the invention.

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the rotary valve of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the rotary valve of FIG. 6, with thehousing shown in cross-section.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the rotary valve of FIG. 6, with the housingshown in cross-section, in a configuration where two ports are in fluidcommunication and the rotor is stationary.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the rotary valve of FIG. 6, with the housingshown in cross-section, in a configuration where fluid communication isprevented between two ports, the rotor being rotated.

FIG. 11 is a graph of the sealing load force applied on the rotor of thevalve of FIG. 6, as a function of time.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a ball valve, according to a thirdimplementation of the invention.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the ball valve of FIG. 12.

FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C are a top perspective view, a bottom perspectiveview and a side view, respectively, of two components of the rotaryvalve of FIG. 12. FIG. 14D is an enlarged view of a detail of FIG. 14C.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are partial side cross-section views of the rotary valveof FIG. 12, with the valve shown in different positions. FIGS. 15A and16A are enlarged views of portions of FIGS. 15 and 16.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a rotary valve, according to a fourthimplementation of the invention.

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the rotary valve of FIG. 17.

FIGS. 19A, 19B and 19C are a top perspective view, a bottom perspectiveview and a side view, respectively, of two components of the rotaryvalve of FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the rotary valve of FIG. 17, with theenclosure and packing shown in cross-section.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a rotary valve, according to a fifthimplementation of the invention.

FIG. 22 is an exploded view of the rotary valve of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23A is a perspective view of the rotary valve of FIG. 21, with thestator shown in cross-section, in a configuration where the ball valveis moved. FIG. 23B is a perspective view of the rotary valve of FIG. 21,with the stator shown in cross-section, in a configuration where fluidcommunication is prevented between two ports, the rotor beingstationary.

FIG. 24 is a graph of showing the sealing load force applied as afunction of positions of the valve element.

FIGS. 25A and 25B are graphs of the load force applied on the rotor,according to different positions of the rotor, for a T-channel ballrotary valve, and for an L-channel ball rotary valve, the respectiveballs being shown in top view cross-sections.

While the invention will be described in conjunction with exampleimplementations, it will be understood that it is not intended to limitthe scope of the invention to such implementations. On the contrary, itis intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents asmay be included as defined by the present application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED IMPLEMENTATIONS OF THE INVENTION

Within the following description, similar features of the drawings havebeen given similar reference numerals. To preserve the clarity of thedrawings, some reference numerals have been omitted when they werealready identified in a preceding figure.

The implementations described below are given by way of example only andthe various characteristics and particularities thereof should not beconsidered as being limitative of the scope of the present invention.Unless otherwise indicated, positional descriptions such as “top”,“bottom” and the like should be taken in the context of the figures andshould not be considered as being limitative.

With reference to FIG. 4, a first implementation of a valve according tothe invention is shown. The valve 10 includes a stationary body 14provided with fluid passages 18 and 19, for circulating fluid therein ata fluid pressure. The fluid passages can also be referred to aschannels. The fluid passages include process fluid passages 18, and alsopreferably include purge fluid passages 19. The fluid passages 18, 19open as ports on the body interface 22. The body interface 22 can alsobe referred to as a sealing surface. For sake of clarity, only one port20 is identified on FIG. 4, for the fluid passage 18 on the right sideof the Figure, but of course each fluid passages 18, 19 opens up as aport on the body interface 22.

In this first implementation, the body 14 is a valve cap, but of coursein other implementations, the body 14 can be a valve housing, a ballpacking, or an enclosure. The body 14 is a static, stationary part whichcomprises the fluid passages in which the fluid circulated or isblocked.

The valve 10 also includes a valve element 16, which in the presentimplementation is a rotor. The valve element 16 is the movable elementof the valve 10 which blocks or permits fluid to enter through thedifferent ports of the stationary body 14. In other implementations, thevalve element 16 can be the ball of a ball valve or the sliding plate ofa sliding valve. In the case of rotary valves, the valve element 16includes at least one channel though or in which the fluid passes whentwo ports are connected.

The valve element 16 has a valve element interface 24 which faces thebody interface 22. The valve element 16 interacts with the ports of thebody interface 22. The valve element 16 moves between differentpositions so as to permit or obstruct communication between the fluidpassages 18 or 19. In the present case, the valve element 16 is a rotorwhich includes at least one channel, which can consist of grooves forplacing ports of the stationary body 14 in fluid communication with oneanother. The interfaces of stationary body 14 and the valve element 16can present different types of configurations, an example of which isshown in FIG. 3. In operation, interfaces 22, 24 are in sealing contactand frictionally engaged with each other.

An actuating mechanism 26, which is in this implementation a motor, isused to move the valve element 16 between the different positions. Abiasing element 30 is configured to bias the valve element interface 24against the body interface 22. The biasing element 30 is an elementurging the valve element 16 against the stationary body 14. The biasingelement 30 applies a sealing load force on the valve element 16,ensuring that a minimal sealing is applied at all time during the valveoperation. The minimal sealing load force can vary according to thedifferent applications in which the valve is used.

A load varying mechanism 12 is configured to variably load the biasingelement 30 based on the different positions of the valve element. Thebiasing element 30 thereby applies different sealing load forces on thevalve element 16 based on the different positions of the valve element.When the valve 10 is operated, the load varying mechanism 12 configuresthe biasing element 30 so that it applies a high process sealing loadforce when ports are in communication or blocked, and a high level ofsealing is required. The load varying mechanism also configures thebiasing element so that it applies a lower, movement sealing load forcewhen the valve element is moved, and a lower level of sealing isacceptable or desired. Reducing the sealing load pressure, which canalso be viewed as releasing the pressure on the valve element, in turnreduced friction between the interfaces 22, 24.

In the present implementation, the biasing element 30 is a springassembly compressible to different heights, for applying different loadsealing forces on the valve element 16. Other types of biasing elementscan also be considered, such as tension or compression helicoidalsprings, a stack of Belleville washers and the like.

In this implementation, the stator interface 22 is coated with a thickpolished layer of TiN (Titanium Nitride), such material being a veryhard and inert material. Other material can be considered, such as WC/C(Tungstene Carbide/Carbon), c-BN (cubic Boron Nitride), DLC(Diamond-like carbon) and CrN (Chromium Nitride). However, it was foundthat reducing the sealing load force on the valve element upon valveactuation also greatly decreases wear of an uncoated stainless steelstator, thereby improving the valve's lifetime. Preferred materials forthe rotor are PEEK, Polymide, PPS or a fluoropolymer, such as PTFE. Themachined or etched grooves within the valve element 16 are alsopreferably designed to tolerate high process and mechanical pressures.The actuating system 12 allows can be easily replaced or modified whenrequired. The mechanism 12 also allows for an easy integration withinexisting analytical systems and can be used as an intelligent subsystem.

The actuating mechanism, which is in this case a motor 26, allowsrotating the valve element 16.

The load varying mechanism 12 controllably compresses the biasingelement 30, for applying a predetermined sealing load force on the valveelement 16. In the present implementation, the load varying mechanism 12comprises a movable member 17, which can be raised or lowered, forcompressing or decompressing the biasing element 30, the movable member17 being operatively linked to the valve element, in this case via acontroller 36.

In the present implementation, the load varying mechanism 12 alsoincludes the motor 32 and the controller 36. The controller receives onan input the different positions of the valve element 16, either by themotor 26 or by a position sensor 28. The controller 36 controls themotor 32 based on the different positions received from motor 26 orsensor 28. Of course, it can be considered to control the motors 26, 32independently from one another, with separate controllers.

Preferably, a parallelism compensation assembly 34 is used to compensatefor any misalignment of the biasing element 30. In the present case, theparallelism compensation assembly 34 includes a bearing ball placedbetween the biasing element 30 and the valve element 16.

Preferably, the motors 26 and 32 are electrical motors, and thecontroller is micro-controller 36 embedded in the rotary valve 10. Themicro-controller includes a 24 volts DC input 37, as well as one orseveral communication ports 39. Of course, other operating voltages canbe considered. This micro-controller 36 can also be used to control therotation speed of the valve element 16, via the motor 26.

Preferably, load varying mechanism 12 can be operated with a powersupply ranging from 12 to 24 VDC. The built-in micro-controller 36 canbe accessed through a simple digital interface. Alternatively, variousserial interfaces such as I²C, SPI, CAN, USB, etc. can be supported. Itcan also be considered to control the motor 32 and/or motor 26 usingonly a pair of wires, for example by connecting them to another controlsystem or to daisy-chain more than one valve together, on a network,such as an RS-485 system for example.

Using one specific load varying mechanism configuration allows thesealing load force applied on the valve element 16 to be tuned in realtime, as the valve operates, with the right force values during rotationand at the end of the maneuver. It can be considered to use the rotaryvalve 10 in combination with a pressure monitoring system, allowing thevalve to be tuned, or controlled, in real time, in order to adjust thesealing loading force applied on the valve element 16 during themovement of the valve element, and optionally based on the process fluidpressure. This way, the lifetime of the valve is increased by avoidingthe use of an unnecessary high loading force.

Furthermore, a force transducer 40, based on a strain gauge or someother similar device, can be used to monitor the load on the valveelement 16. The force transducer is operatively linked to the controller36. This monitoring system can also be used to detect an eventualsoftening of the biasing element 30. In this situation, when thetransducer detects a lower load force from the biasing element, thecontroller 36 increases the compression of the biasing element 30 usingthe motor 32, for compensating this softening, in order to obtain therequired load reading from the strain gauge 40.

Purge outlets of the valve 10 can also be monitored or analyzedperiodically in order to assess the condition and integrity of thevalve.

It is also possible, via the controller and analytical instrumentsoftware, to set the valve 10 in stand-by mode. In this case, thesealing load force is decreased to reduce the stress on the valveelement 16. This helps to reduce the possibility of adhesion phenomenonwhen the valve 10 is not in operation for an extended period of time.Furthermore if, for any reason, the valve stays between two operationalpositions for a long period of time, the lower rotation load force willgreatly decrease the possibility for the rotor material to extrude intothe ports of the stationary body 14. Extrusion of the rotor materialinto the process ports can be a problem with softer rotor material likeTeflon.

In some gas chromatography applications, such as complex hydrocarbonanalysis, the required operating temperature can be as high as 350° C.In this case, it is advisable to add a small temperature sensor 42 inthe valve, such as a miniature RTD or a thermocouple. The sensor 42sends information signals to the controller 36, which in turn willcontrol the motor to vary the sealing load force applied on the rotor,based on the temperature readings of the sensor 42. The sensor 42 canthus help compensating for the softening the biasing element 30 or thedifferent thermal expansion of each of the many parts of the valve 10.In other words, the temperature sensor 42 detects operating temperaturesof the valve 10 and to send the temperatures detected to the controller36. The controller controls analyses the temperature detects anddetermines whether the motor 32 need to vary the height, or compression,of the biasing element 30. The biasing element is thus variably loadedby the varying mechanism according to the operating temperaturesdetected by the temperature sensor 42.

In some other applications, the operating temperatures of the analyticalsystems, and therefore of the valves, must be changed frequently.Polymer hardness may vary greatly depending on the temperature of itsapplication, thereby affecting its ability to seal against the stator.It is advisable to apply different sealing load force schemes accordingto each of those system temperatures. Furthermore, due to creepphenomenon, applying the same load on a polymer valve element 16 at hightemperature rather than at ambient temperature could permanently deformand damage it. The controller allows avoiding damaging the valve element16, by controlling the motors 26, 32 in function of various operatingfactors, such as operating temperatures, fluid pressure, type of fluidbeing analysed.

In this implementation, the valve 10 includes the position sensor, ordetector, 28 which allows determining the angular position of the valveelement 16, also referred to as a rotor relative to the stationary body14, also referred to as a stator for this type of valve. For example, adigital encoder may be used as the position sensor 28. The detector 28can also be used to indicate and control the position of the valveelement in a sample stream selection valve. The position sensor 28 ispreferably part of the load varying mechanism 12, and is connected tothe controller 36. It detects the different positions of the valveelement 16 and sends the detected positions to the controller 36, whichcan adjust, via the motor 32, the load force applied on the valveelement 30 as a function of the different positions of the valve element16.

Still preferably, the actuating system 12 includes the force transducer40, which is also referred to as a load force detector 40. In theillustrated implementation, the detector 40 is a strain gauge, whichallows determining the load applied on the valve element 16 by thebiasing element 30. Of course, other types of pressure and/or load forcedetector can be used. The load force can also be deducted or calculatedfrom the power required by motor 32, instead of using an independentload detector.

Still referring to FIG. 4, and also to FIG. 5A, a method of operatingthe valve according to one implementation will be explained. While theexample provided is for a rotary valve, the present method can also beapplied to other types of valves, such as sliding valves or ball valves.

At time T=0, the valve element 16 is in a first operating position,which means that at least two process ports of the body 14 are in fluidcommunication. A sealing load force A, which can also be referred to asa process sealing load force, is applied by the biasing element 30,pushing the valve element, in this case the rotor 16, on the body 14, sothat the valve element and the body interfaces 22, 24, or sealingsurfaces, are sealed to one another. To do so, motor 32 compresses thebiasing element 30, so that it applies the load force A on the rotor 16,which corresponds to the sealing load force. During this period T_(s)(from T0 to T1), the rotor is stationary, and fluid(s) can be circulatedthrough channels and grooves of the stator 14 and rotor 16,respectively.

At time T1, prior to rotating the rotor 16, the motor 32 lowers theplate supporting the biasing element 30, thereby decompressing thebiasing element 30. The load force applied by the rotor 16 on the stator14 is now reduced to the rotation startup load force, indicated as “D”on the graph of FIG. 5A. It is known that when applying a substantialsealing force on the rotor, the load applied is so great that the rotor16 tends to adhere to the stator 14. Consequently, in order to startrotating the rotor, it is needed to overcome the frictional forcescreated by this adherence, and thus a relatively high torque needs to beapplied by the actuator, in this case the motor 26. Lowering thepressure at time T1 below the static friction, and preferably to 0,allows releasing the rotor 16 from the stator 14 prior to rotating therotor 16, which in turn diminishes the required torque at the rotationstart-up. The rotation start-up load can be applied for a very shortperiod of time T_(R start-up), for example between 50 ms and 100 ms. Therotation start-up load (D) is determined depending on the type ofprocess application for which the valve is used. For example, therotation start-up load is determined depending on whether small leaks inthe valve are acceptable or not. Of course, it can be considered toprovide the rotor with process purging grooves, as disclosed in U.S.Pat. No. 7,503,203.

Between T1 and T2, the motor 1 slightly raises the plate supporting thebiasing element 30 until load force C is detected by the strain gauge38. The load force C corresponds to the rotation sealing load force.

It is possible to start the rotation of the rotor at time T1, but it iscan be considered to wait until T2. As such, when the rotation sealingload force C is reached, motor 26 rotates rotor 16 from a first to asecond operating position, so as to place different process ports influid communication. The period extending between either T1 or T2 and T5thus corresponds to the period T_(R), during which the rotor 16 isrotated. Optionally, an intermediate load B can be applied, between T3and T4. This intermediate load force can be applied for example whenpurging the valve channels or when crossing over ports.

Referring to FIG. 5B, in one implementation the load force is increasedto the intermediate sealing load force B during three periods, eachperiod corresponding to the rotor crossing over an intermediate port.Increasing the loading force to an intermediate loading force allowslimiting the leaks and/or contamination risks when crossing over a port,since the sealing of the valve is increasing during this period. Theintermediate loading force does not need to be as high as the sealingload force, and can be chosen to correspond to an acceptable leak rate,depending on the type of application in which the valve is used.

Turning back to FIG. 5A, at T5, the rotor is placed in the secondoperating position and the load force is increased to the sealing loadforce A. In the present case, and in reference to FIG. 4, the sealingload force is increased by raising the plate supporting the resilientelement so as to compress it. The motor 32 raises the movable member 17until the strain gauge detects that load force A has been reached.

Of course, in order to increase the operating time life of the valve, itis possible to gradually increase and reduce the sealing load forceapplied on the rotor while rotating the rotor, such as shown in thegraph of FIG. 11. Alternatively, the sealing load force can be firstreduced to the rotation load force, prior rotating the rotor.

Preferably, operation of motor 26 and 32 is controlled based on readingsfrom the position detector 28 and the load detector 38. The controllerreceives position and load force (or pressure) signals from theirrespective detectors and sends instruction signals to motors 26, 32accordingly.

As can be appreciated, the method described above includes as step ofapplying a sealing load force when the valve element is stationary andthe valve is in operation, and of applying a reduced sealing load force,while moving the valve between the different positions. In other words,the sealing load force is applied at a process sealing load force whentwo or more ports are blocked or in communication, and the valve elementis stationary. Slightly prior to, or upon moving the valve element, thesealing load force is reduced to a movement load force, so as to reducefriction and wear at the valve element and body interfaces. The sealingloading force applied on the valve element 16 is less, or smaller, whenthe valve element is moved between two positions, than when the valve isin operation and stationary. When the valve element reaches, or is aboutto reach one of its operating positions, the loading force applied onthe valve element is increased until the sealing load force is reached,in order to properly seal the valve element to the housing or stator,during operation of the valve. The movement load force ensures a minimalsealing between the valve element and the housing, corresponding to atolerable leak rate, which may vary according to the application forwhich the valve is used. Optionally, the sealing load force is generatedirrespectively of the fluid pressure. The decrease of the sealing loadforce can occur rapidly, such as when using a motor as shown in theimplementation of FIG. 4, and in graphs of FIGS. 5A and 5B, or it can beperformed gradually as the rotor moves between the different positions,as is the case with the second to the fifth implementations explainedlater on.

When the valve element begins moving between two positions, andpreferably slightly before the movement start-up, the loading force isreduced to a smaller loading force until it reaches a predetermined“movement loading force”. The movement loading force can be keptrelatively constant or be varied until the next desired operatingposition is reached. The load force and pressure is thus released duringmovement of the valve element, thereby reducing friction between thehousing and the valve element, and the load force and pressure isre-applied when the valve element is in the next operating position, toensure proper sealing.

According to the present method, when the valve element is moved, theloading force pressing the valve element 16 against the body 14 may bereduced well below the level that is normally required to seal the valve10 at the operating process pressure. It may be reduced enough tomaintain the sealing integrity, or reduced below the point where atolerable leak occurs, in which case the purge groove can palliate forsuch leak. The valve is then quickly moved. The friction is thereforemuch lower, as is the wearing and the particle generation.

When in an operating position, the loading force pressing the valveelement 16 against the body 14 can be increased well over the loadingforce generally used in standard valves, without risking of wearing thesealing surfaces or polymer extrusion through ports.

Reducing the sealing load force during movement of the valve element 16between operational positions allows avoiding that portions of itssealing interface (i.e. the surface of the rotor contacting thestationary body 14) be sliced by an extrusion effect into the ports ofthe body 14. Indeed, when softer material are used for the constructionof the rotor and/or rotor interface, and when the sealing load force inmaintained constant during rotation of the rotor, extrusion of thesealing surface of the rotor can occur within the ports of thestationary body, which generates particles and increases wear of therotor. Softer materials, which typically have a D shore of less than 75,have good sealing properties, but this advantage becomes a disadvantageif the load force is maintained constant when the valve element 16slides or rotates against the body 14 between positions. The reductionof the sealing load force during movement of the valve element againstthe stationary body allows using softer materials for the rotor thatcould not otherwise be considered. Examples of softer materials includeperfluoroelastomers, such as Kalrez® with a hardness/D shore value of25, PFTE (Polytetrafluoroethylene, such as Teflon®), with a D shorevalue of 65. Of course, harder materials can also be used for the valveelement of the present valve and method, such as PEEK (Polyether EtherKetone) and VESPEL® with a D shore of 85 and PPS (Polyphenylene Sulfide)with a D shore of 90.

Referring to FIG. 5C, it can be considered to vary the load applied onthe rotor according to the process pressure, and based on the type ofmaterial of which the rotor is made. The process pressure corresponds tothe pressure of the fluid circulating within the valve. For lowerpressure applications, the load applied on the rotor can be less, andsealing of the rotor against the stationary body is still sufficient.For higher pressure applications, higher loads must be applied on therotor to seal it properly against the stationary body. As shown in thegraph, the load (and consequently the sealing load force) is reducedduring rotation of the rotor, compared to when it is stationary(indicated as “sealing load”). Also, Material B being softer thanmaterial A, the sealing load applied on the rotor is less than for arotor made of Material A.

Increasing the rotor loading force when the valve is at its final (oroperational) position, combined with a selection of proper materials,leads to an increased sealing efficiency when a relatively high pressureis used, without being plagued with the premature wear generallyassociated with valve operated with high sealing force load.Furthermore, for the purpose of cleaning surfaces of the valve, acleaning intermediate force can be applied to allow a solvent or otherappropriate cleaning/washing fluid to flow on all surface area withouthaving to dismantle or disassemble the valve. This cleaning intermediateload is lower than the rotation load. Depending on the type ofapplication in which the valve is used, that load can be low enough toallow the rotor to be slightly spaced from the stator.

Preferably, the method includes a step of compressing the biasingelement to a first height when two ports of the housing are in fluidcommunication and the valve element is stationary in a first position;and a step of decompressing the biasing element up to a second height,thereby reducing the sealing load force applied on the valve element asthe valve element moves towards a second position so as to interruptflow of the fluid between said two ports.

Preferably, the method includes a step of recompressing the biasingelement to the first height, when said two ports or other ports of thehousing are in fluid communication and the rotor is stationary in thesecond position. It can also be considered to recompress the biasingelement to the first height, when said two ports of the housing areblocked by the valve element and the rotor is stationary in the secondposition.

Now referring to FIGS. 6 to 11, another implementation of a valve isprovided. In this implementation, the valve is a rotary valve 100 havinga body 140 provided with a cavity 142 bordered by a sidewall 144(identified in FIG. 8). The sidewall 144 includes the body interface220. In this implementation, the valve element is a rotor 160 disposedwithin the cavity 142. The rotor 160 has at least one channel 190, 191opening on the interface 240 for interacting with the ports 200 of bodyinterface 220. The rotor 160 is rotatable between different processpositions, which are in this case angular positions, so as to permit orobstruct communication between the fluid passages 180 via the at leastone channel 190. The actuating mechanism includes a rotatable shaft 126connected to the rotor 160. The biasing element 130 is a compressionspring assembly 130, and more particularly a stack of Bellevillewashers.

The load varying mechanism 120 includes a static member 122, fixed inplace thanks to a stopper 125, and the movable member 121. The movablemember 121 comprises a portion 129 (identified in FIG. 8) operativelylinked to the rotor 160 so as to rotate along with the rotor, and a face131 slidably in contact the face 132 of the static member 122 (the facesare identified in FIG. 7). The faces 132, 131 of the static and movablemembers 122, 121 have respective profiles configured to move away orbring closer the static and movable members 122, 121 as the rotorrotates, thereby compressing or decompressing the biasing element 130.In other words, the static member and the movable member form anassembly having an overall height which can vary according to theposition of the movable member 121. Since the members 121, 122 and thebiasing element 30 are contained within the body 140 of the valve,varying the height of the member assembly necessarily varies the height,and thus compressibility of the biasing element 130, which in turnaffect the sealing load force applied by the biasing element on therotor 160.

The rotary valve illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 10 is a conical rotary valve100. The body 140 is a housing having top and bottom ends. The rotor 160has a frustro-conical body with a narrow end and a wide end. The rotor160 fits within the cavity 142 with its narrow end disposed at the topend of the body 140. The at least one channel consisting in at least onegroove 190 disposed at the surface of the frustro-conical body. Therotatable shaft 126 is connected to the narrow end of thefrustro-conical body 160 and extends outwardly of the housing 140 topend.

The load varying mechanism 120 is disposed at the wider end of thefrustro-conical body; and the spring assembly 130 is disposed beneaththe load varying mechanism 120. The conical rotary valve 100 includes adisk 126 fixed at the bottom end of the housing, ensuring that the thespring assembly 130 is compressed with a minimal sealing load force. Thedisk 126 also closes off the cavity 142. Of course, the disposition ofthe load varying mechanism 120 and the biasing element 130 can beinverted, and the mechanism 120 and element 130 could be placed abovethe rotor 160 instead. Many possible configurations can be considered.

In this implementation, the static and movable members of the loadvarying mechanism 120 are first and second cam washers 122, 121, theirrespective faces 131, 132 including concave and convex portions 129, 123(identified in FIGS. 9 and 10). In a first configuration, as shown inFIG. 9, the respective convex portions 123 of the cam washers 121, 122are in contact, thereby compressing the compression spring to a heightHs. In a second configuration, the respective convex and concaveportions 123, 127 are mated, thereby decompressing the spring assembly130 to a height Hr, Hr being greater than Hs, thereby reducing the loadforce applied on the rotor 160.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show the conical rotary valve 100. The valve 100 includesa stator 140. The stator 140 is provided with several channels, or fluidpassages, 180, 181 through which process or purge fluids can be injectedor drawn. A handle 110 allows moving the rotor housed in the stator 140between different operating positions.

Still referring to FIG. 8, the conical rotary valve 100 is provided withthe stator 140 shown in cross-section. The valve includes ports 200opening on the stator interface 220 and grooves 190, 191 provided on therotor sealing interface 240. The grooves 190 allow placing selectedprocess ports (one port 200 is identified on FIG. 8) of the stator influid communication with one another, depending on the position of therotor 160. Biasing elements 130, which are located below the rotor 160,allow pressing the rotor 160 against the stator 140 so as to seal thesealing surfaces of the rotor and stator when the valve is in operation.In the present case, the biasing element 130 is a stack of Bellevillewashers. The rotary valve 100 also comprises load varying mechanism 120,which in the present case consists of two cam-washers 121, 122. TheBelleville washers are compressed between the mechanism 120, and a disc126, which is fixed within the stator 140.

Now referring to FIG. 9, the rotary valve 100 is shown in a firstoperating position, two process ports of the stator being in fluidcommunication, port 200 and a common outlet port not shown. The camwashers 121, 122 are positioned such that their respective convexportions 123 are in contact, compressing the biasing element 130 suchthat its overall height corresponds to a height H_(s). In this position,the biasing element 130 applies a sealing loading force LFs on therotor. Upon turning the handle 110, the upper cam-washer moves alongwith the rotor 160, while the lower cam-washer will stay fixed, thanksto a stopper 125, which is best shown in FIG. 7. The respective surfacesof the cam-washers slide one on the other, gradually increasing theheight H of the resilient element 130 until the configuration shown inFIG. 9 is reached.

As shown by FIG. 10, the rotor 160 is now positioned so that the processports of the stator 140 are no longer in fluid communication. The rotoris now located at mid-point between two operating positions. Convex andconcave portions 123, 127 of the respective cam-washers are aligned andthe cam washers are mated with one another. The overall height of thebiasing element is increased to H_(R), H_(R) being larger than H_(s). Assuch, the static biasing element 130 is now slightly decompressed, whichreduces the load force applied on the rotor 160.

As explained above, the resilient biasing element 130 is located betweenthe cam washers 121, 122 and the fixed plate 126, which is preferablyscrewed to the stator 140. The lower section of the biasing element 130rests on this fixed plate 126. As such, rotating the handle, and thus ofthe upper cam washer 121 results in compressing or decompressing thebiasing element 130, and thus in releasing or increasing the pressureapplied on the rotor 160. Advantageously, when the rotor is moved from afirst to a second operating position, the pressure is gradually reducedand then increased again until the second operating position it reached.

FIG. 11 is a graph presenting the loading force applied on the rotor infunction of time. Between times T0 and T1, a sealing load force LF_(s)is applied on the rotor, which corresponds to the valve position shownin FIG. 9, namely a first operating position. This sealing load force isapplied during a period Ts, during which the valve is operated. Betweentimes T1 and T2, the rotor is rotated and the pressure applied on it isgradually reduced until it reaches a relatively constant rotation loadforce LF_(R). The period between T2 and T3 corresponds to the valveposition shown in FIG. 10. At time T3, the rotor is rotated up to thenext operating position, namely the second operating position, which isreached at time T4. At this time, when the rotor is stopped, theactuating system has increased the loading force back to LFs. In orderto move the valve back to its original position, the actuation processcan be repeated in the opposite direction.

Referring now of FIGS. 12 to 25, three other implementations of thevalve according to the invention are shown. The different variants ofthe valve are rotary valves, and more specifically they are ball-valves,1000, 1000′ and 1000″.

Referring to FIG. 12, the first variant of a rotary ball-valve 1000 isshown. The valve 1000 has a handle 1110 for positioning the valveelement, which is in this case a ball, in different positions. In thiscase, the ball-valve 1000 is a two-way valve, but of course other typesof ball-valve can be considered for the valve of the present invention,such as three way L or T valves, shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B. The valve1000 has fluid passages 1180 for circulating or blocking fluid with thevalve 1000.

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the valve of FIG. 12. The valve 1000includes the handle 1110, a valve cap 1143, a load varying mechanism1120, which comprises a movable member 1121 and a static member 1122.The biasing element consists in two Belleville washers 1130. A ballbearing mechanism 1133 is also provided. The valve element is in thiscase a ball valve 1160, which includes a through channel 1185. The ballis provided with purging grooves 1190, to circulate purging fluidtherein. The body, or stator, is a packing 1140 provided with a cavity1121 for receiving the ball 1160. The packing 1140 has fluid passagesopening as ports 1200 on the inner side of the packing 1140. Inside thepacking 1140 is the body (or packing) interface 1220 which is in contactwith the valve element interface, corresponding in this case to the ball1160 outer surface. A stack of biasing springs 1135 is provided belowthe packing 1140, to urge the packing 1140 in place within the valveenclosure, which includes a casing 1141 and a valve cap 1143. The springconstant of the biasing springs 1135 is of course smaller than the oneof the resilient element 1130. The biasing springs 1135 are used toprevent the ball 1160 from adhering to the bottom of the packing 1140when the sealing load force is reduced from the operational, sealingforce to the rotational sealing load force.

As can be appreciated, as shown in FIGS. 13, 15 and 16, in thisimplementation, the rotor is the ball 1160 fitting within the cavity1121, and the at least one channel is a through hole 1185 extendingwithin the ball 1160. The valve enclosure has top and bottom sides andit houses the packing 1140 and the ball 1160.

The rotatable shaft 1126 has its lower end connected to the ball and anupper end extending outside of the packing 1140 and the enclosure 1141,1143. The load varying mechanism 1120 and the spring assembly 1130 areis disposed above the packing, within the enclosure. In thisimplementation, a ball bearing 1133 is disposed between the packing 1140and the compression spring assembly 1130.

Referring now to FIGS. 14A to 14D, the load varying mechanism 1120includes static and movable members which in this example are shaped ascircular plates 1122, 1121 disposed radially within the enclosure 1141when in use. The static and fixed members 1121 and 1122 are designed tocooperate when placed in the valve, each members having faces contactingone another, as best shown in FIGS. 15 and 16. In this implementation,the circular plate 1121 of the movable member extends radially from therotatable shaft 1126, but other configurations can be considered, aslong as the movable member is operatively linked to the rotor, so as tomove or rotate along the rotor's movement. The plate 1121 has a facewith at least one portion with a sloped profile 1123. The sloped profile1123 is very gentle, as can be seen in FIG. 14D. The face of the staticplate 1122 has one sliding block 1129 configured to slide along thesloped profile 1123.

Preferably, the circular plate 1121 includes at least two stoppers 1125which delimits the portion with the sloped profile. The stoppers alsolimit movement of the sliding block between the stoppers, andconsequently of the ball within the packing. Of course, the slopedprofile could be provided on the fixed member 1122, and the slidingblock on the movable member 1121. In the present case, the plate 1121comprises three portions with sloped profile.

Referring now to FIGS. 15, 15A, 16 and 16A, operation of the loadvarying mechanism 1120 will be explained. The plates 1121 and 1121 arecoupled to one another and disposed above the biasing element 1130. Thebiasing element and the plates 1121, 1122 are contained within the valvecap 1143 and the ball bearing 1133. The total height H_(TOT) is thusfixed and cannot be varied. When the sliding block 1129 is at the bottomof the sloped profile 1123, as shown in FIG. 15A, the overall height ofthe load varying mechanism is H_(VL1) and the biasing element 1130 as aheight H_(B1). When the handle 1100 is rotated, the shaft 1126, plate1121 and ball 1160 rotate, and the sliding block 1129 slide upwardlyalong the profile 1123, which increases the distance between the twoplates 1121 and 1121, so that the overall height of the load varyingmechanism is H_(LV2), thus decreasing the height of the biasing elementto H_(B2), H_(B2) being smaller than H_(B1). The biasing element is thusmore compressed and exerts a higher sealing load on the ball 1160. Inother words, rotating the shaft 1126 forces the sliding block 1129 toslide along the sloped profile 1123, which increases the distancebetween the static and movable plates 1122, 1121, thereby reducing theheight or size of the compression spring assembly 1130.

Preferably, as best shown in FIG. 14D, the portion of the annular plate1121 with the sloped profile includes two flat portions 1124 disposed oneach side of the sloped profile 1123, between the two stoppers 1125.Referring now to the graph of FIG. 24, the profile of the load forceapplied by the biasing element 130 corresponds to the slope of thesurface of the annular plate 1121. By varying the profile of the staticand/or movable members of the load varying mechanism, the load forceapplied on the valve element can be modulated accordingly.

Referring now to FIGS. 17 to 19, another implementation of a ball-valveis shown. The valve 1000′ is similar to the one of FIGS. 12 to 16,excepted that the geometry of parts is slightly changed. The packing1140′ is made of 2 parts, and the fixed annular plate 1122′ is screwedto the valve enclosure 1141′. Compressible annular seals 1127′ surroundthe load varying mechanism 1120′. As shown in FIGS. 19A to 19B, the loadbiasing mechanism is similar to the one of the valve 1000, of FIGS. 12to 16. The mechanism 1120′ includes a static member 1122′ and a movablemember 1121′. The movable member 1121′ includes portions with slopedprofiles delimited by stoppers 1125′. The static member 1122′ includessliding blocks 1129′ which can slide over the sloped profile 1123′.Rotation of the shaft 1126′ raises or lowers the plate 1121′ relative tothe static plate 1122′, thereby varying the height of the biasingelement 1130′, which in turn varies the load applied by the biasingelement on the valve element 1160′.

Finally, referring to FIGS. 21, 22 and 23A-23B, another implementationof a ball valve is provided. This valve 1000″ mainly differs from theother two valves 1000 and 1000′ because it includes a second mechanismwhich seals the packing and ball interfaces in a direction orthogonal tothe sealing load force applied by the biasing element 1130″. The biasingor spring assembly 1130″ can thus be referred to as a first springassembly which biases the ball 1160″ axially, or vertically, toward thepacking 1140″.

The valve 1000″ includes a second spring assembly 1137″ which biases thepacking 1140″ towards the ball 1160″ in a radial, or lateral, direction.The valve 1000″ also includes a load transfer mechanism 1300″operatively linked to the movable member 1121″ of the load varyingmechanism 1120″, for varying the load force applied on the secondbiasing assembly 1137″ proportionally to the load force applied by thefirst spring assembly 1130″.

More specifically, in the present case, the second spring assembly 1137″is disposed outside of the packing and surrounds the fluid passages. Theload transfer mechanism 1300″ includes a fixed plate 1304″ and aslidable plate 1302″ disposed axially, or vertically, relative to theenclosure. The plate 1032″ is operatively connected, and in this case indirect contact, with the second spring assembly 1137″. The plates 1302″and 1304″ have mating inclined surfaces. The transfer mechanism 1300″also includes a rod 1139″ disposed between the movable member 1121″ ofthe load varying mechanism 1120″ and the slidable plate 1302″ of theload transfer mechanism 1300″.

Upon rotation of the shaft 1126″, such as shown in FIG. 23B, the movablemember 1121′ is lowered for compressing the first spring assembly 1130″.The rod 1139″ is forced downwardly, pushing the slidable plate 1302″.The plate 1302″ can move thanks to springs located on each side of theplate 1302′. Because of its slanted or inclined profile, the plate 1302″moves downwardly and laterally, towards the ball 1160″, when the biasingassembly 1130″ is compressed. When moving towards the ball 1160″ theplate 1032″ compresses the second spring assembly 1137″ radially,further increasing sealing of the packing and the ball.

Of course, although the two different implementations of the actuatingsystem presented are respectively electromechanical and mechanical,other types of actuating systems can be used, such as pneumatic,hydraulic, magnetic, etc.

An advantage of the method and valves above, is that they require lesstorque to be operated, especially for the implementation presented inFIG. 4. Another advantage is that the pressure applied on the valveelement does not depend upon the pressure required for the applicationprocess. In other word, the pressure applied on the valve element of thevalve by the biasing element and load varying mechanism is completelyindependent from the pressure used in the analytical system, or of theforce of the motor used to rotate the rotor.

Of course it can be considered to use the process fluid to apply theloading force on the rotor; however, in this case the pressure of thefluid used for applying on the rotor is controlled independently fromthe pressure used in the analytical process. The method described in thepresent application is applicable to different types of valve, includingconical valve, ball valves and sliding valves.

As can be appreciated, the method, actuating system and rotary valvedescribed herein allow lowering the loading force applied on the rotorduring its rotation, so as to reduce friction between the rotor andstator sealing surfaces. Reducing said friction diminishes in turn wearof the sealing surfaces, increasing the lifetime of the valve.

Of course, numerous modifications could be made to the implementationsdescribed above without departing from the scope of the presentinvention.

1.-33. (canceled)
 34. A method for channeling a fluid through differentpassages of a valve, the method comprising the steps of: providing thevalve comprising: a housing provided with said fluid passages forcirculating the fluid therein at a fluid pressure, the housing having ahousing interface with ports connected to said fluid passages; a valveelement having a valve element interface facing the housing interface,said valve element interacting with the ports of the housing interface,the valve element being movable between different positions, so as topermit or obstruct communication between the fluid passages; and aspring assembly for biasing the valve element interface against thehousing interface; applying a sealing load force on the spring assemblywhen the valve element is stationary and the valve is in operation; andapplying a reduced sealing load force on the spring assembly whilemoving the valve between the different positions.
 35. The methodaccording to claim 34, wherein the sealing load force is generatedirrespectively of the fluid pressure.
 36. The method according to claim34, wherein in the step of providing the valve, the valve is a rotaryvalve, the valve element being a rotor; and in the step of applying thereduced sealing load force, moving the valve element consists inrotating the rotor.
 37. The method according to claim 34, wherein thestep of applying the reduced sealing load force is performed bygradually reducing the sealing load force as the rotor moves between twodifferent positions.
 38. The method according to claim 34, wherein thestep of applying the reduced sealing load force comprises a sub-step ofapplying the sealing load force with an intermediate sealing load forcevalue when the valve element moves past the ports of the housing, saidintermediate sealing load force having a value between a process sealingforce value corresponding to the sealing load force applied in the stepof providing the value and a movement sealing force value applied inbetween two successive ones of said ports.
 39. The method according toclaim 34, comprising a step of reducing the sealing load force to astart-up value, prior to or upon starting to move the valve element. 40.The method according to claim 34, wherein in the step of applying thereduced sealing load force, the sealing load force is reduced by varyinga size of the spring assembly.
 41. The method according to claim 40,wherein the size of the spring assembly corresponds to a given height,said height being varied using a controllable motor.
 42. The methodaccording to claim 40, wherein the height of the spring assembly isvaried using a mechanical assembly operatively linked to the springassembly.
 43. The method according to claim 34, comprising a step ofmeasuring an operating temperature of the valve, and determining thesealing load force to apply in the step of applying a sealing load forceand the step of applying a reduced sealing load force based on themeasured operating temperature.
 44. The method according to claim 34,wherein: the step of applying the sealing load force is performed bycompressing the spring assembly to a first height when two ports of thehousing are in fluid communication and the valve element is stationaryin a first position; and the step of applying the reduced sealing loadforce is performed by decompressing the spring assembly up to a secondheight, thereby reducing the sealing load force applied on the valveelement as the valve element moves towards a second position so as tointerrupt flow of the fluid between said two ports.
 45. The methodaccording to claim 44, further comprising a step of recompressing thespring assembly to the first height, when said two ports or other portsof the housing are in fluid communication and the rotor is stationary inthe second position.
 46. The method according to claim 44, furthercomprising a step of recompressing the spring assembly to the firstheight, when said two ports of the housing are blocked by the valveelement and the rotor is stationary in the second position.
 47. A methodfor channeling a fluid through different passages of a valve, the methodcomprising the steps of: providing the valve comprising: a static bodyprovided with fluid passages for circulating fluid therein at a fluidpressure, the body having a body interface with ports connected to saidfluid passages; a valve element having a valve element interface facingthe body interface, said valve element interacting with the ports of thebody interface, the valve element being movable between differentpositions so as to permit or obstruct communication between the fluidpassages; an actuating mechanism for moving the valve element betweenthe different positions; a spring assembly configured to bias the valveelement interface against the body interface with a sealing load force;and a load varying mechanism configured to variably load the springassembly based on the different positions of the valve element; andapplying different sealing load forces on the valve element via thespring assembly, based on the different positions of the valve element,the different sealing load forces comprising at least a first sealingload force applied when the valve element is stationary and a secondsealing load force smaller than the first sealing load force while beingsufficient to maintain sealing contact between the body interface andthe valve element interface, the second sealing force being appliedwhile moving the valve element.
 48. The method according to claim 47,wherein: in the step of providing the valve the load varying mechanismcomprises a first motor variably compressing the spring assembly, acontroller controlling the first motor, a position sensor connected tothe controller and operatively linked to the valve element, theactuating mechanism comprising a second motor for moving the valveelement; and in the step of applying different sealing forces the secondmotor moves the valve element between the different positions, theposition sensor detects the different positions of the valve element andsends the detected positions to the controller, the controller controlsthe first motor based on the detected positions received, and the firstmotor compresses and decompresses the spring assembly, the springassembly applying a sealing force equal or between the first and secondsealing forces on the valve element based on the position of the valveelement.
 49. The method according to claim 50, wherein the step ofapplying the different sealing load forces comprises detecting anoperating temperature of the valve, the controller controlling the firstmotor for varying a height of the spring assembly according to theoperating temperatures detected by the temperature sensor.
 50. Themethod according to claim 47, wherein in the step of providing the valvethe actuating mechanism comprises a rotatable shaft operatively coupledto the valve element, the load varying mechanism comprises a mechanicalassembly including a movable member and a static member, the movablemember being operatively coupled to the rotatable shaft, and wherein inthe step of applying the different sealing load forces moving therotatable shaft moves the valve element between the different positionsand also moves away or brings closer the movable member relative to thestatic member, thereby compressing or decompressing the spring assembly.51. The method according to claim 50, wherein in the step of providingthe valve the valve is a rotary, the body has a cavity bordered by asidewall, said sidewall comprising the body interface, the valve elementis a rotor disposed within the cavity, said rotor having at least onechannel opening on the valve element interface for interacting with theports of body interface, the rotor being rotatable between the differentpositions so as to permit or obstruct communication between the fluidpassages via the at least one channel.
 52. The method according to claim51, wherein: the static and movable members of the load varyingmechanism are first and second cam washers having respective inner facesat least partially contacting one another, said inner faces includingconcave and convex portions, and wherein applying the first sealing loadforce is obtained by positioning the rotatable shaft such that therespective convex portions of the cam washers are in contact, therebycompressing the spring assembly, and applying the reduced sealing loadforce is obtained by positioning the rotatable shaft such that therespective convex and concave portions are mated, thereby decompressingthe spring assembly and reducing the load force applied on the rotor.53. The method according to claim 51, wherein the static and movablemembers are plates disposed within the static body, the plates havingrespective inner faces at least partially contacting each other, one ofsaid inner faces having at least one portion with a sloped profile, theinner face of the other plate having at least one sliding blockconfigured to slide along the sloped profile, and wherein the step ofapplying the different sealing load forces, applying different forces onthe rotor is obtained by rotating the shaft, causing the sliding blockto slide along the sloped profile thereby compressing or decompressingthe spring assembly.